Data transmitting apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A ground station multiplexes audio digital data of a plurality of audio broadcasts, GUI data, and download audio data and transmits the multiplexed signal to a receiving side through a satellite. The receiving side displays a GUI screen corresponding to an audio broadcast. When a music information selection command is input on the display screen, and audio broadcast of a music program corresponding to the music information is selected. When a music information download command is input on the display screen, download audio data corresponding to the music information is output. The download audio data is stored to a storage device so as to download audio data corresponding to a desired music title.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.09/341,324, filed Jul. 9, 1999, which is a national stage applicationunder 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Application No. PCT/JP98/05044,filed Nov. 10, 1998, which claims priority from Japanese ApplicationNos. P09-308488, filed Nov. 11, 1997, and P09-327881, filed Nov. 28,1997, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a transmitting apparatus and method, aninformation editing apparatus and method, a receiving apparatus andmethod, and information storing apparatus and method, and a broadcastingsystem suitable for transmitting music programs with a satellitebroadcast.

Digital satellite broadcasts have become common. The digital satellitebroadcasts have higher resistance against noise and fading thanconventional analog broadcasts. Thus, in the digital broadcasts, highquality signals can be transmitted. In addition, since the frequency useefficiency is improved, many channels can be accomplished. In thedigital satellite broadcasts, dedicated channels such as a sportschannel, a movie channel, a music channel, and a news channel areprovided. On these dedicated channels, special programs are broadcast 24hours a day.

Among the dedicated channels, a music channel is one of popularchannels. On conventional music channels, promotion video programs thatare new music title guide programs and hit chart programs are broadcast.

On the conventional music programs, new music title guide programs andhit chart programs are transmitted with moving pictures and sound. Whenthe listener likes a music title that is being broadcast on a musicchannel, he or she may want to buy a CD that contains the music title toenjoy it. In addition, the listener may want to know information of theartists of the music title and information of the album that containsthe music title. It will be very convenient for the listener to obtaininformation of the artists and information of the album of the musictitle and to download data of the music title at his or her location.However, on the conventional music channel, moving pictures and soundare unidirectionally broadcast. Thus, the conventional music channels donot satisfy such needs.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide atransmitting apparatus and method, an information editing apparatus andmethod, a receiving apparatus and method, an information storingapparatus and method, and a broadcasting system that allow the user toeasily obtain information of a music title that is being broadcast.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a transmittingapparatus and method, an information editing apparatus and method, areceiving apparatus and method, an information storing apparatus andmethod, and a broadcasting system that allow the user to easily obtaindata of a music title that is being broadcast.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a broadcasting system having a transmittingstation that broadcasts audio programs and a receiving station thatreceives a signal from the broadcasting system; a transmitting apparatusand a transmitting method that compose the broadcasting system; aninformation editing apparatus and an information editing method; areceiving apparatus and a receiving method; and an information storingapparatus and an information storing method. The transmitting stationhas a transmitting apparatus comprising a plurality of audio channelmaterial supplying means for supplying a plurality of audio broadcastmaterials of audio digital data, a data supplying means for supplyingdigital data for an audio information screen corresponding to atransmitted audio broadcast, a download audio data supplying means forsupplying download audio data compressed in a predetermined compressingformat, a multiplexing means for multiplexing the audio digital data ofthe plurality of audio broadcasts, the digital data for the audioinformation screen corresponding to the transmitted audio broadcast, andthe download audio data, and a transmitting means for transmitting themultiplexed data.

The receiving station has a receiving apparatus comprising a receivingmeans for receiving a signal of which audio digital data of a pluralityof audio broadcasts, digital data for an audio information screencorresponding to a transmitted audio broadcast, and download audio dataof audio data compressed in a predetermined compressing format have beenmultiplexed, a data demultiplexing means for demultiplexing themultiplexed signal into the audio digital data of the plurality of audiobroadcasts, the digital data for the audio information screencorresponding to the transmitted audio broadcast, and the download audiodata compressed in the predetermined compressing format, an audioreproducing means for reproducing sound from the audio digital data, adownload data decoding means for decoding the download audio data, adisplaying means for displaying audio information of the transmittedaudio broadcast corresponding to the digital data for the audioinformation screen corresponding to the transmitted audio broadcast, aninput means for inputting data on the display screen, and a controllingmeans for selecting an audio broadcast of a music program correspondingto a music information selection command that is input on the displayscreen through said input means and for outputting download audio dataof music information corresponding to an audio information downloadcommand that is input on the display screen through said input means,and an information storing apparatus for storing the download audio datathat is output from the receiving apparatus.

The broadcasting station broadcasts a signal of which audio digital dataof a plurality of audio broadcast programs, digital data for an audioinformation screen of a transmitted audio broadcast program, anddownload audio data compressed in a predetermined compressing formathave been compressed. The receiving side displays a screen of audioinformation of a received audio broadcast program corresponding to thedigital data for the audio information screen corresponding to the audiobroadcast program. When an audio information designation command isinput on the display screen, an audio broadcast program of a music titlecorresponding to the music information is selected. When an audioinformation download designation command is input on the display screen,download music data corresponding to the music information is output.When the download audio data is stored to an information storing device,desired music data can be downloaded. Thus, information of a broadcastmusic title can be easily obtained. In addition, data of a desired musictitle can be easily stored.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall structure of an example ofa broadcasting system according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams for explaining display screens ofthe example of the broadcasting system according to the first embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the example of the broadcastingsystem according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of a ground station ofthe example of the broadcasting system according to the first embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a timing chart for explaining the example of the broadcastingsystem according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C are block diagrams for explaining connections of anIRD and a storage device of the example of the broadcasting systemaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D are block diagrams for explaining connectionsof an IRD and a storage device of the example of the broadcasting systemaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the structure of an IRD of the exampleof the broadcasting system according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the overall structure of an example ofa broadcasting system according to a second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the structure of a ground station ofthe example of the broadcasting system according to the secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a timing chart for explaining the example of the broadcastingsystem according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the overall structure of a secondexample of the broadcasting system according to the second embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the structure of a ground station ofthe second example of the broadcasting station according to the secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the structure of an IRD according tothe second embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 15A to 15C are flow charts for explaining a connecting process foran IRD and a storage device of a broadcasting system according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the structure of a ground station ofan example of a broadcasting system according to a third embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing a data stream of an audio channelaccording to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the structure of an IRD according tothe third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram for explaining detections of a startposition and an end position of a music title on an audio channelaccording to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram for explaining detections of a startposition and an end position of download data according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a displayscreen according to the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a flow chart for explaining a process performed between anIRD and a storage device in an audio channel recording process accordingto the third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart for explaining a process performed between anIRD and a storage device in a download process according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram for explaining another example of adisplay screen of an example of a broadcasting system according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram for explaining another example of adisplay screen of the example of the broadcasting system according tothe present invention;

FIG. 26 is a flow chart for explaining a process performed between theIRD and the storage device;

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram for explaining another example of adisplay screen of the example of the broadcasting system according tothe present invention; and

FIG. 28 is a flow chart for explaining a process performed between anIRD and a storage device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

In the system according to the present invention, a music program isbroadcast with a digital broadcast satellite. In addition, audio datacorresponding to the music program is broadcast. Thus, when the listenerlikes a music title that is being broadcast in the music program, he orshe can buy the music title at his or her location.

Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. InFIG. 1, reference numeral 1 is a ground station of the satellitebroadcasting system. Audio channel program broadcast material servers12A, 12B, . . . supply audio channel materials to the ground station 1.A download audio data material server 13 supplies download data to theground station 1. A GUI data server 14 supplies data for a graphic userinterface screen to the ground station 1.

The audio channel program broadcast material servers 12A, 12B, . . . areservers that supply audio programs with respective audio channels. Theaudio channel program broadcast materials are only audio materials. Theaudio channel program broadcast material servers 12A, 12B, . . .repeatedly each broadcast the same music title in a predeterminedperiod. The music titles that are supplied by the audio channel programbroadcast material servers 12A, 12B, . . . correspond to download datathereof as will be described later. The audio channels are independentfrom each other. The audio channels can be used in various manners. Onone channel, a recommended Japanese pop music title may be repeatedlybroadcast in a predetermined period. On another audio channel, arecommended American pop music title may be repeatedly broadcast in apredetermined period. On a further audio channel, a recommended jazzmusic title may be repeatedly broadcast in a predetermined period.Alternatively, on a plurality of channels, a plurality of music titlesof the same artist may be separately broadcast.

The download audio material server 13 supplies download audio datacorresponding to a plurality of music titles that ate being broadcast inthe audio channel programs. As described above, it is assumed that onone channel, a recommended Japanese pop music title is repeatedlybroadcast in a predetermined period. On another audio channel, arecommended American pop music title is repeatedly broadcast in apredetermined period. On a further audio channel, a recommended jazzmusic title is repeatedly broadcast in a predetermined period. In thiscase, audio data corresponding to the recommended Japanese pop musictitle, the recommended American pop music title, and the recommendedjazz music title is supplied as download music data.

Since music titles broadcast in the audio channel programs are onlyguide music broadcast programs, they may contain vocal music titleguides and commercial messages.

On the other hand, the download audio data does not almost contain vocalmusic title guides and commercial messages. In other words, the downloadaudio data is broadcast in the almost complete state. In addition, thesound quality of the download audio data is superior to that of theaudio channel programs.

The GUI (Graphic User Interface) data server 14 supplies data necessaryfor forming a list page of music titles that are being broadcast, aninformation page of each music title, and an EPG (Electronic ProgramGuide) on a screen. As will be described later, a list of music titleswhose audio data that can be downloaded and information of the musictitles are displayed on the screen. The GUI data server 14 supplies suchdata.

The ground station 1 multiplexes audio data of audio channel materialsreceived from the audio channel program broadcast material server 12A,12B, the download data received from the download audio data materialserver 13, and the data received from the GUI data server 14. At thispoint, the audio data on the audio channels is compressed in for exampleMPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) audio format. The download audiodata is compressed in for example ATRAC (Adaptive Transform AcousticCoding) 2 format. In addition, the download audio data is encrypted withkey information received from a key information server 15. In addition,the data received from the GUI data server is encoded in MHEG 5(Multimedia and Hypermedia Information Coding Experts Group Phase 5)format. The multiplexed signal is scramble-QPSK modulated andtransmitted.

The signal broadcast from the ground station 1 is received by a homereceiving facility 3 through a satellite 2. The satellite 2 has aplurality of transponders. One transponder has a transmission capacityof for example 30 Mbps.

The home receiving facility 3 has a parabola antenna 21, an IRD 22(Integrated Receiver Decoder), a storage device 23, and a televisionreceiver 24. The parabola antenna 21 receives a signal from the groundstation through the satellite 2. The received signal is supplied to anLNB (Low Noise Block Down-converter) 25 disposed in the parabola antenna11. The output signal of the LNB 25 is supplied to the IRD 22.

The IRD 22 selects a signal of a predetermined channel from the receivedsignal and demodulates/decodes the selected signal to a video signal andan audio signal. In addition, the IRD 22 performs a displaying processfor a list page of broadcast music titles, an information page of eachmusic title, and an EPG corresponding to the received GUI data. Anoutput signal of the IRD 22 is supplied to the television receiver 24.

The storage device 23 stores download audio data. Examples of thestorage device 23 are an MD recorder/player, a DCC recorder/player, aDAT recorder/player, and a DVD recorder/player. Alternatively, as thestorage device 23, a personal computer may be used. Audio data may bestored in a hard disk drive or a CD-R.

The IRD 22 is connected to a charging server 5 through for example atelephone line 4. An IC card that records various types of informationis inserted into the IRD 22. When audio data is downloaded, relevantinformation is recorded to the IC card. The information recorded to theIC card is supplied to the charging server 5 through the telephone line4. The charging server 5 charges the listener for the download audiodata corresponding to the download information. Since the listener isaccurately charged for the download audio data, the copyright of themusic title can adequately be protected.

As described above, in the system according to the present invention,the ground station 1 multiplexes audio data of materials of audiochannels received from the audio channel program broadcast materialservers 12A, 12B, . . . , download data received from the download audiodata material server 13, and data received from the GUI data server 14and broadcasts the multiplexed signal.

When the home receiving facility 3 receives the broadcast signal, agraphic screen is displayed corresponding to data received from the GUIdata server. When the listener performs a required operation whileseeing the graphic screen, he or she can see an information page of eachmusic title. In addition, the user can listen to a demo of each musictitle. When the listener performs a required operation while seeing agraphic screen, he or she can download audio data corresponding to adesired music title and record it to the storage device.

In other words, when the home receiving facility 3 receives thebroadcast signal, as shown in FIG. 2A, a list page 30 of broadcast musictitles is displayed on the screen. The list page 30 shows artist names33, 33, . . . , and downloadable music titles 34, 34, 34, . . . . Thelist page 30 also shows selection buttons 35, 35, 35, . . . of theindividual music titles.

The listener can look for a desired music title while seeing musictitles on the list page 30. When the listener wants to see detailedinformation of each music title, he or she presses a selection button 35for the desired music title using arrow keys of for example a remotecommander.

When the listener presses the selection button 35 corresponding to thedesired music title, as shown in FIG. 2B, an information page 40 of thedesignated music title is displayed. The information page 40 of eachmusic title shows a still picture 42 such as a jacket of a CD thatcontains the relevant music title. The information page 40 also showsdetail information 43 of the music title such as an artist name, a musictitle, a song writer, a composer, a song text, and live information. Inaddition, the information page 40 shows a demo button 44, a downloadbutton 45, and a return button 46.

The demo button 44 is a button that allows the listener to listen to ademo of a desired music title. Thus, before buying audio data of adesired music title, the listener can listen to its demo. The downloadbutton 45 is a button that allows the listener to download the audiodata corresponding to the music title and record it to the storagedevice 23. The return button 46 is a button that allows the listener tosee the preceding page on the screen.

Thus, with the list page 30 of the broadcast music titles and theinformation page 40 of each music title, the listener can know whatmusic titles are being broadcast. In addition, the listener can knowdetail information of each music title. The list page 30 and theinformation page 40 are displayed corresponding to the received GUIdata. The GUI data contains data that defines the display position ofthe still picture 42 on the screen, the display position of text, fonttype and font size, and display positions of individual buttons, stillpicture data, and bit map data of individual buttons.

When the listener wants to listen to a demo of a desired music title, heor she presses a demo button using the keys of the remote commander.When the listener presses the demo button 44, an audio channelcorresponding to the designated music title is selected. On each audiochannel, the same music title is repeatedly broadcast in a predeterminedperiod. When the demo button 44 is pressed, the audio channelcorresponding to the music title is selected. Thus, the listener canlisten to a demo of the music title while seeing the same screen.

When the listener wants to buy audio data corresponding to the musictitle, he or she presses the download button 45. As described above, thedownload audio data corresponds to the music title that is beingbroadcast on the relevant audio channel. Thus, when the download button45 is pressed, the audio data corresponding to the selected music titleis downloaded and recorded to the storage device 23.

To return to the list page, the listener presses the return button 46.When the return button 46 is pressed, the list screen 30 shown in FIG.2A is displayed.

Thus, in the system according to the present invention, the list page 30of the music titles and the information page 40 of each music programare displayed. With the list page 30 of the music titles and theinformation page 40 of each music title, the listener can knowinformation of each music title. When the listener presses the demobutton 44 corresponding to the information displayed on the screen, heor she can listen to a demo of the selected music title. When thelistener presses the download button 45, he or she can download theaudio data corresponding to the selected music title and record it tothe storage device 23.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a process performed in theabove-described operations. As shown in FIG. 3, when a broadcast signalis received, a list page 30 of broadcast music titles is displayed (atstep S1). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the music titleselection button 35 has been pressed (at step S2).

When the determined result at step S2 is No (namely, the music titleselection button 35 has not been pressed), the flow returns to step S1.When the determined result at step S2 is Yes, the information page 40 ofthe selected music title is displayed (at step S3).

After the information page 40 of the selected music title is displayed,it is determined whether or not the return button 46 has been pressed(at step S4). When the determined result at step S4 is Yes (namely, thereturn button 46 has been pressed), the flow returns to step S1.

When the determined result at step S4 is No (namely, the return button46 has not been pressed), it is determined whether or not the demobutton 44 has been pressed (at step S5). When the determined result atstep S5 is Yes (namely, the demo button 44 has been pressed), an audiochannel corresponding to the selected music title is selected (at stepS6). On each audio channel, the same music title is repeatedly broadcastin a predetermined period. Thus, when the demo button 44 is pressed, thelistener can listen to a demo of the selected music title (at step S7).Thereafter, the flow returns to step S4.

When the determined result at step S5 is No (namely, the demo button 44has not been pressed), it is determined whether or not the downloadbutton 45 has been pressed (at step S8). When the determined result atstep S8 is No (namely, the download button 45 has not been pressed), theflow returns to step S4.

When the determined result at step S8 is Yes (namely, the downloadbutton 45 has been pressed), the audio data corresponding to theselected music title is downloaded (at step S9). After the audio datacorresponding to the selected music title has been completely downloaded(at step S10), a charging process for the downloaded audio data isperformed (at step S1). Thereafter, the flow returns to step S4.

Thus, in the system according to the present invention, music titles arebroadcast on a plurality of audio channels. In addition, download audiodata corresponding to the music titles is broadcast. With a list page ofbroadcast music titles and an information page of each music title,while looking for information of each music title, the listener caneasily store audio data corresponding to a desired music title to thestorage device. Next, such a system will be described in detail.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the structure of the ground station 1of the system according to the present invention.

In FIG. 4, audio data is supplied from audio channel program broadcastmaterial servers 12A, 12B, . . . to MPEG audio encoders 52A, 52B, . . ., respectively. Download audio data is supplied from a download audiodata material server 13 to an ATRAC 2 encoder 53. Data for a graphicuser interface screen is supplied from a GUI data server 14 to a GUIdata authoring circuit 54.

The MPEG audio encoders 52A, 52B, 52C, . . . compress and audio datareceived from the audio channel program broadcast material servers 12A,12B, . . . in MPEG audio format and output audio packets. The audiopackets are supplied to a multiplexer 57.

The ATRAC 2 encoder 53 compresses download audio data received from thedownload audio data material server 13 in ATRAC 2 format and outputsdata packets. The data packets are supplied to an encrypting circuit 55.The encrypting circuit 55 encrypts the data packets. An output signal ofthe encrypting circuit 55 is supplied to a multiplexer 57. The audiodata is encrypted so as to prevent it from being illegally downloadedand thereby protect the copyright of the audio data. At this point,information for decrypting encrypted data is supplied from an encryptioninformation generating circuit 56 to the multiplexer 57.

The GUI data authoring circuit 54 processes the data for the graphicuser interface screen (the data being received from the GUI data server14) and outputs data packets. The data packets are supplied to themultiplexer 57.

The multiplexer 57 multiplexes audio packets received from the MPEGaudio encoders 52A, 52B, 52C, data packets received from the ATRAC 2encoder 53 through the encrypting circuit 55, encryption informationreceived from the encryption information generating circuit 56, and datapackets received from the GUI data authoring circuit 54. An outputsignal of the multiplexer 57 is supplied to a scramble processingcircuit 58. The scramble processing circuit 58 performs a predeterminedscrambling process for the output signal of the MUX 57. An output signalof the scramble processing circuit 58 is supplied to a QPSK modulatingcircuit 59. The QPSK modulating circuit 59 QPSK-modulates transmissiondata. An output signal of the QPSK modulating circuit 59 is supplied toa radio frequency circuit 60. The radio frequency circuit 60 converts acarrier frequency into a predetermined frequency and amplifies the powerof the transmission signal. An output signal of the radio frequencycircuit 60 is transmitted from an antenna 61 to a satellite 2.

Thus, in the ground station 1, audio data on audio channels iscompressed in MPEG audio format. In addition, download audio data iscompressed in ATRAC 2 format. The compressed audio data, the compresseddownload data, and the GUI data are multiplexed and transmitted.

FIG. 5 shows an example of data transmitted from the ground station 1.As shown in FIG. 5, a program PRG1 is transmitted in a period from timeT1 to time T2. Likewise, a program PRG2 is transmitted in a period fromtime T2 to time T3. The period of each of the programs PRG1 and PRG2 isnormally 30 minutes or one hour.

The number of audio channels is for example 40 channels from CH1 toCH40. On each audio channel CH1, CH2, CH3, . . . , in each programs PRG1or PRG2, the same music title is repeatedly transmitted. In other words,in program PRG1 from time T1 to time T2, on audio channel CH1, musictitle B1 is repeatedly transmitted. On audio channel CH2, music title C1is repeatedly transmitted. On audio channel CH3, music title D1 isrepeatedly transmitted. In program PRG2, on audio channel CH1, musictitle B1 is repeatedly transmitted. On audio channel CH2, music titleC11 is repeatedly transmitted. On audio channel CH3, music title D11 isrepeatedly transmitted.

Download audio data is transmitted in the unit of two minutes. In twominutes, download audio data corresponding to 40 music titles istransmitted. As the download audio data, data on audio channels CH1,CH2, CH3, . . . , and CH40 is transmitted.

In other words, in program PRG1 from time T1 to time T2, audio datacorresponding to 40 music titles (music title B1, music title C1, musictitle D1, . . . ) is transmitted on audio channels CH1, CH2, CH3, . . ., and CH40, respectively, in for example two minutes. In program PRG2from time T2 to time T3, audio data corresponding to 40 music titles(music title B11, music title C11, music title D11, . . . ) is time-axiscompressed and transmitted on audio channels CH1, CH2, CH3, . . . , andCH40, respectively, in for example two minutes.

Download audio data is transmitted in the unit of for example twominutes. GUI data for displaying a list page of download audio data anda music title selection page is transmitted in the unit of 10 seconds.

As shown in FIG. 5, in programs PRG1 and PRG2, data of a plurality ofaudio channels, download audio data, and GUI data are multiplexed andtransmitted. Thus, when the bit rate of one audio channel is denoted byB₁, the number of audio channels is denoted by n, the bit rate ofdownload audio data is denoted by B₂, and the bit rate of the GUI datais denoted by B₃, the total bit rate B_(A) can be expressed as follows.B _(A) =n·B ₁ +B ₂ +B ₃

When the bit rate B₁ of each of audio channels CH1, CH2, CH3, . . . is256 kbps and the number of channels n is 40, the following relation isobtained.n·B ₁=256 kbps×40=10.2 Mbps

It is assumed that the bit rate of the download audio data compressed inATRAC 2 format is 128 kbps, that the period of download audio data permusic title is five minutes, and that the download audio data of 40music titles is transmitted in two minutes. In this case, the bit rateB₂ of the download audio data can be expressed as follows.B ₂=128 kbps×40 music titles×5 minutes×60 seconds/120 seconds=12.8 Mbps

It is assumed that the bit rate of GUI data per music title is 200kbytes and that the GUI data for 40 music titles is transmitted in 10seconds.

In this case, the bit rate B₃ of CGI data can be expressed as follows.B ₃=200 kbytes×40 music titles×8 bits/10 seconds=6.4 Mbps

Thus, the total bit rate B_(A) can be expressed as follows.B _(A) =n·B ₁ +B ₂ +B ₃=10.24 Mbps+12.8 Mbps+6.4 Mbps=29.44 MbpsWhen the bit rate of one transponder of the satellite 2 is 30 Mbps, dataof all channels, download audio data, and GUI data can be transmittedwith one transponder of the satellite 2.

Next, the home receiving facility 3 will be described. As shown in FIG.1, the home receiving facility 3 is composed of the parabola antenna 21,the IRD 22, the storage device 23, and the television receiver 24.Examples of the storage device 23 are an MD recorder/player, a DCCrecorder/player, a DAT recorder/player, and a DVD recorder/player.

Thus, the storage device 23 may input only an analog audio signal. Thestorage device 23 may directly input PCM audio data. The storage device23 may directly input audio data compressed in for example ATRAC 2format.

In other words, as shown in FIG. 6A, the storage device 23 may be an MDrecorder/player, a DAT recorder/player, or a DCC recorder/player thathas a digital input terminal DIN corresponding to IEC 958 standard ofwhich audio data is transmitted with an optical cable. In this case, adigital output terminal DOUT of the IRD 22 is connected to a digitalinput terminal DIN of the storage device 23 with an optical fiber L1corresponding to for example IEC 958 standard. The IRD 22 performs anATRAC 2 decompressing process for download audio data and outputs PCMaudio data. The PCM audio data is supplied to the storage device 23through the IEC 958 optical cable.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the storage device 23 may be an MD recorder/player,a DAT recorder/player, a DCC recorder/player, or a compact cassetterecorder/player that does not have a digital input terminal. In thiscase, an analog output terminal AOUT of the IRD 22 is connected to ananalog input terminal AIN of the storage device 23 with a cable L2. TheIRD 22 performs an ATRAC 2 decompressing process for download audio dataand performs a D/A converting process. The resultant analog data isoutput from the analog audio output terminal AOUT of the IRD 22 to thestorage device 23 through the cable L2.

As shown in FIG. 6C, the storage device 23 may have a data terminalATRAC_IN from which data compressed ATRAC 2 format can be directlyinput. In this case, an output terminal ATRAC_OUT of the IRD 22 isconnected to an input terminal ATRAC_IN of the ATRAC 2 of the storagedevice 23 with for example an optical fiber L3 corresponding to forexample IEC 958 standard. In this case, ATRAC 2 audio data is directlyoutput from the IRD 22 to the storage device 23 through the IEC 958optical cable.

Thus, the storage device 23 may input PCM audio data, analog data, orATRAC 2 data. In addition, the storage device 23 may have a terminalfrom which an external control signal is input and the operation stateof the storage device 23 is controlled corresponding thereto. In thiscase, a control signal is exchanged between the IRD 22 and the storagedevice 23. With a control signal received from the IRD 22, downloadaudio data can be automatically recorded to the storage device 23.

In other words, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the storage device 23 is forexample an MD recorder/player, a DAT recorder/player, or a DCCrecorder/player that has a digital input terminal DIN corresponding tofor example IEC 958 standard (of which audio data is supplied with anoptical fiber) and an input/output terminal CTL2 for a control signal, adigital output terminal DOUT of the IRD 23 is connected to a digitalinput terminal DIN of the storage device 23 with an optical cable L1. Inaddition, a control signal input/output terminal CTL1 of the IRD 22 isconnected to a control signal input/output terminal CTL2 of the storagedevice 23 with a cable L5. Thus, a control signal is exchanged betweenthe IRD 22 and the storage device 23. When audio data is downloaded,corresponding to a control signal received from the IRD 22, the storagedevice 23 is placed in record mode. The IRD 22 performs an ATRAC 2decompressing process for the download audio data and outputs PCM audiodata to the storage device 23 through the cable L1.

As shown in FIG. 7B, when the storage device 23 is for example an MDrecorder/player, a DAT recorder/player, or a DCC recorder/player thatdoes not has a PCM input terminal and that has an input/output terminalCTL2 for a control signal, an analog output terminal AOUT of the IRD 23is connected to an analog input terminal AIN of the storage device 23with a cable L2. In addition, a control signal input/output terminalCTL1 of the IRD 22 is connected to a control signal input/outputterminal CTL2 of the storage device 23 with a cable L5. Thus, a controlsignal is exchanged between the IRD 22 and the storage device 23. Whenaudio data is downloaded, corresponding to a control signal receivedfrom the IRD 22, the storage device 23 is placed in record mode. The IRD22 performs an ATRAC 2 decompressing process for the download audio dataand performs a D/A converting process. The resultant analog audio signalis supplied to the storage device 23 through the cable L2.

As shown in FIG. 7C, when the storage device 23 is for example an MDrecorder/player, a DAT recorder/player, or a DCC recorder/player thathas an input terminal ATRAC_IN corresponding to ATRAC 2 format and thathas an input/output terminal CTL2 for a control signal, an ATRAC 2output terminal ATRAC_OUT of the IRD 23 is connected to an ATRAC 2 inputterminal ATRAC_IN of the storage device 23 with an optical cable L3. Inaddition, a control signal input/output terminal CTL1 of the IRD 22 isconnected to the control signal input/output terminal CTL2 of thestorage device 23 with a cable L5. Thus, a control signal is exchangedbetween the IRD 22 and the storage device 23. When audio data isdownloaded, corresponding to a control signal received from the ID 22,the storage device 23 is placed in record mode. The IRD 22 directlysupplies the download audio data corresponding to ATRAC 2 format to thestorage device 23 through the cable L3.

As shown in FIG. 7D, when the storage device 23 is for example an MDrecorder/player, a DAT recorder/player, or a DCC recorder/player thathas a digital interface DIF2 corresponding to for example IEEE 1394standard, the digital interface DIF1 of the IRD 22 is connected to thedigital interface DIF2 of the storage device 23 with a cable L6. In thiscase, while a signal is exchanged between the IRD 22 and the storagedevice 23, the downloaded audio data can be supplied from the IRD 2 tothe storage device 23.

In the above description, the recording method of audio data to thestorage device 23 has not been mentioned. In particular, in the storagedevices shown in FIGS. 6C, 7C, and 7D, since ATRAC 2 data is input, itis preferable to record data that has been compressed in ATRAC 2 format.In other words, when compressed data is recorded, since the ATRAC 2decoding process or the like is not required, in the broadcasting formatshown in FIG. 5, downloaded audio data corresponding to music titles canbe stored to the storage device 23 in two minutes.

FIG. 8 shows an example of the structure of the IRD 22. In FIG. 8, aparabola antenna 21 receives a digital satellite broadcast signal from asatellite 2. The received signal is supplied from the parabola antenna21 to an LNB 25 disposed in the parabola antenna 22. The LNB 25down-converts the frequency of the received signal into a predeterminedfrequency.

An output signal of the LNB 25 is supplied to a tuner circuit 71. Thetuner circuit 71 selects a signal with a predetermined frequency fromthe received signal corresponding to a setup signal received from thecontroller 76.

An output signal of the tuner circuit 71 is supplied to a QPSKdemodulating circuit 72. The QPSK demodulating circuit 72QPSK-demodulates the received signal into a bit stream. An output signalof the QPSK demodulating circuit 72 is supplied to an error correctingcircuit 73. The error correcting circuit 73 detects and corrects anerror of the output signal of the QPSK demodulating circuit 72.

An output signal of the error correcting circuit 73 is supplied to adescrambler & demultiplexer 74. The descrambler & demultiplexer 74receives the bit stream signal from the error correcting circuit 73,descrambles the received signal, and temporarily stores the resultantsignal to a data buffer memory 75. Thereafter, the descrambler &demultiplexer 74 frames the descrambled signal into a sequence ofpackets, determines whether or not each packet is desired data, anddemultiplexes each packet.

The ground station 1 transmits video data and audio data of conventionalbroadcast programs, audio data of a plurality of channels, downloadaudio data, and GUI data. The video data has been compressed in MPEG 2format. The audio data has been compressed in MPEG audio format. Thedownload audio data has been compressed in ATRAC 2 format.

The demultiplexer 74 demultiplexes the received packets into video dataand audio data, download audio data, and GUI data.

The video data demultiplexed by the demultiplexer 74 is supplied to anMPEG 2 video decoder 78. The MPEG 2 video decoder 78 appropriatelystores the input digital video signal to the buffer memory 79 anddecodes the video signal that has been compressed in MPEG 2 format. TheMPEG 2 video decoder 78 decodes a component video signal.

An output signal of the MPEG 2 video decoder 78 is supplied to a videoencoder 80 corresponding to for example NTSC standard. The analog videoencoder 80 forms a composite video signal corresponding to for exampleNTSC standard with a component video signal. The resultant video signalis obtained from an output terminal 81.

Audio data of conventional TV programs and audio data of audio channelsare supplied to an MPEG audio decoder 82. The MPEG audio decoder 82appropriately stores an input digital audio signal to a buffer memory 83and decodes the digital audio signal.

An output signal of the MPEG audio decoder 82 is supplied to a D/Aconverter 84. The D/A converter 84 converts a digital audio signal intoan analog audio signal. An output signal of the D/A converter 84 isobtained from an output terminal 85.

The download audio data is temporarily stored in a buffer memory 86. Anoutput signal of the buffer memory 86 is supplied to a decryptingcircuit 87. As was described above, the download audio data has beenencrypted. A decryption key is generated from an IC card 88.

Information that represents that audio data has been completelydownloaded is supplied from the buffer memory 86 to a gate circuit 89.In addition, information necessary for decrypting encrypted data issupplied from the demultiplexer 74 to the gate circuit 89.

When audio data is downloaded, it is stored in the buffer memory 86. Atthis point, the gate circuit 89 becomes open and causes the informationnecessary for decrypting encrypted data to be supplied to the IC card88. Thus, the IC card 88 supplies the decrypting key to the decryptingcircuit 87. The decrypting circuit 87 decrypts encrypted data with thedecrypting key received from the IC card 88. At this point, charginginformation is stored in the IC card 88.

An output signal of the decrypting circuit 87 is supplied to an ATRAC 2decoder 90 and a terminal 91B of a switch circuit 91. The ATRAC 2decoder 90 performs the ATRAC 2 decoding process and outputs a PCM audiosignal. The PCM audio signal is supplied to an input terminal 91A of theswitch circuit 91.

The switch circuit 91 is controlled by a controller 76. When the switchcircuit 91 is placed on the terminal 91A side, the switch circuit 91outputs a PCM audio signal. When the switch circuit 91 is placed on theterminal 91B side, the switch circuit 91 outputs a digital audio signalthat has been compressed in ATRAC 2 format.

An output signal of the switch circuit 91 is supplied to a water markadding circuit 92. The water mark adding circuit 92 adds an electronicwater mark to audio data so as to protect the copyright of the audiodata.

An output signal of the water mark adding circuit 92 is supplied to adigital signal output terminal 93 and a D/A converter 94. The D/Aconverter 94 converts a digital audio signal into an analog audiosignal. The resultant analog audio signal is obtained from an outputterminal 95. The digital signal output terminal 93 outputs a digitalaudio signal (with a water mark) in IEC 958 format.

The GUI data demultiplexed by the demultiplexer 74 is supplied to thecontroller 76. The controller 76 generates a list page and aninformation page of each music title corresponding to the GUI data. Thedata of the list page and the information page is written to aparticular area of the buffer memory 79. Thus, the list page of musictitles that are broadcast and the information page of each music titlecan be displayed on the screen.

The controller 76 controls all processes of the IRD 22. Data is input tothe controller 76 through an input key pad 98. A modem 99 is connectedto the controller 76. Information necessary for charging audio data isrecorded to the IC card 88. Information recorded to the IC card 88 istransmitted to a charging server 5 (see FIG. 1) by the controller 76 andthe modem 99 through a telephone line 4.

The IRD 22 also has a control signal input/output terminal 97. Thecontrol signal input/output terminal 97 is connected to the controller76. A control signal is exchanged between the storage device 23 and thecontroller 76 through the control terminal 96.

The IRD 22 also has a digital interface 96 corresponding to IEEE 1394standard. An output signal of the water mark adding circuit 92 isobtained from the digital interface 96. In addition, a control signal isexchanged with the controller 76 through the digital interface 96.

Thus, the IRD 22 has the output terminal 95 for outputting an analogaudio signal (the output terminal 95 corresponds to the output terminalAOUT shown in FIG. 6), the data output terminal 93 corresponding to IEC958 standard for outputting PCM audio data or ATRAC 2 compressed audiodata (the data output terminal 93 corresponds to the output terminalDOUT or ATRAC_OUT shown in FIG. 6), the digital interface 96corresponding to IEEE 1394 standard (the digital interface 96corresponds to the digital interface DIF1 shown in FIG. 7), and thecontrol signal input/output terminal 97 (that corresponds to the controlsignal input/output terminal CTL1 shown in FIG. 7).

When the storage device 23 has only the analog audio input terminal AIN,the analog audio signal output terminal 95 is used to connect the IRD 22and the storage device 23.

When the storage device 23 has the a PCM signal digital input terminalDIN, the data output terminal 93 is used to connect the IRD 22 and thestorage device 23. At this point, the storage circuit 91 is placed onthe terminal 91A side.

When the storage device 23 has the ATRAC data input terminal ATRAC_IN,the digital signal output terminal 93 is used to connect the IRD 22 andthe storage device 23. At this point, the switch circuit 91 is placed onthe terminal 91B side.

When the storage device 23 has the control signal input/output terminalCTL2, the storage device 23 exchanges data with the control signalinput/output terminal CTL2.

When the storage device 23 has the digital interface DIF2 correspondingto IEEE 1394 standard, the digital interface 96 of the IRD 22 isconnected to the digital interface DIF2 of the storage device 23. Audiodata and a control signal are exchanged between the IRD 22 and thestorage device 23.

Thus, the digital signal output terminal 93 is shared with PCM data andATRAC 2 audio data and is switched over by the switch circuit 91.

In other words, when the storage device 23 has the PCM data digitalinput terminal DIN, the switch circuit 91 is placed on the terminal 91Aside. When the storage device 23 has the terminal ATRAC_IN, the switchcircuit 91 is placed on the terminal 91B side. When the switch circuit91 is placed on the terminal 91A side, downloaded ATRAC 2 data issupplied to the ATRAC 2 decoder 90. The ATRAC 2 decoder 90 decodes thedownloaded ATRAC 2 data. The decoded data is obtained from the dataoutput terminal 93 through the switch circuit 91 and the water markadding circuit 92. When the switch circuit 91 is placed on the terminal91B side, downloaded ATRAC 2 data is obtained from the data outputterminal 92 through the switch circuit 91 and the water mark addingcircuit 92.

In the above-described example, download audio data has been compressedin ATRAC 2 format. However, the compressing format of the presentinvention is not limited to ATRAC 2 format. In other words, anothercompressing format, for example ATRAC format can be used.

As described above, in the system according to the present invention, inaddition to conventional music programs, music titles are broadcast on aplurality of audio channels. Moreover, download audio data and GUI dataare broadcast. On audio channels, the same music title is repeatedlybroadcast in a predetermined period. Thus, the listener can select adesired music title and download audio data corresponding to theselected music title to the storage device.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, a second embodiment of thepresent invention will be described. In FIGS. 9 to 11, blocks similar tothose in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 are denoted by similar reference numerals. Inthe first embodiment, pictures are not broadcast. However, in the secondembodiment, pictures corresponding to audio channels are also broadcast.In other words, while a music TV program is being broadcast, musictitles corresponding to the music TV program are broadcast on audiochannels. In addition, audio data corresponding to music titlesbroadcast on the audio channels can be downloaded.

FIG. 9 shows the overall structure of a system according to the secondembodiment. In FIG. 9, a program broadcast material server 11 is addedto the structure shown in FIG. 1. The other portions of the structureshown in FIG. 9 are the same as those shown in FIG. 1. The programbroadcasting server 11 is a server that supplies a conventional music TVprogram material. Music broadcast materials supplied from the programbroadcast material server 11 are moving pictures and sound. Inconventional music broadcast programs, new music title guide promotionvideo programs and the latest hit chart count down programs arebroadcast.

FIG. 10 shows the structure of a ground station 1 according to thesecond embodiment. In FIG. 10, a program broadcast material server 11,an MPEG 2 video encoder 51A, and an MPEG audio encoder 51B are added tothe structure shown in FIG. 4. Video data received from the programbroadcast material server 11 is supplied to the MPEG 2 video encoder 51Aand the MPEG audio encoder 51B. A video signal received from the programbroadcast material server 11 is compressed and packetized by the MPEG 2video encoder 51A. The resultant video packets are supplied to amultiplexer 57. An audio signal received from the program broadcastmaterial server 11 is compressed and packetized by the MPEG audioencoder 51B. The resultant audio packets are supplied to the multiplexer57. The other processes performed in the ground station 1 are the sameas those shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 11 shows an example of data transmitted from the ground station 1according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 11, music broadcast data isadded to the data shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 11, a program PRG1from time T1 to time T2 is a conventional music TV program. In theprogram PRG1, music titles A1, A2, A3, . . . are broadcast. A programPRG2 from time T2 to time T3 is a music TV program. In the program PRG2,music titles A11, A12, A13, . . . are broadcast. In the conventionalmusic programs, moving pictures and sound are broadcast. The otherportions shown in FIG. 11 are the same as those shown in FIG. 5.

In the system according to the second embodiment, in addition toconventional music TV programs, audio music programs are broadcast on aplurality of audio channels. In addition, download audio data and GUIdata are broadcast. On each audio channel, the same music title isrepeatedly broadcast in a predetermined period. Thus, the listener canselect a desired music title and download audio data corresponding tothe selected music title to the storage device.

The system may broadcast only conventional video music programs, musictitles on a plurality of audio channels, and GUI data rather thandownload audio data. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, adownload audio data material server is not required on the transmittingside. In a conventional music broadcast program, video data that hasbeen compressed in MPEG 2 format and audio data are transmitted. Inaddition, the same music title is repeatedly broadcast in apredetermined period on each audio channel.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 14, an ATRAC decoder that decodes downloadaudio data is not required on the receiving side. A program transmittedon a conventional music broadcast channel and a program transmitted oneach audio channel are the same as those in the system that transmitsdownload audio data.

In the system that does not transmit download audio data, although audiodata cannot be downloaded, on a screen as shown in FIG. 2, the listenercan listen to a demo of a desired music title. In addition, audio datathat has been compressed in MPEG audio format is transmitted on eachaudio channel. Thus, audio data transmitted on each audio channel can berecorded to the storage device.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the storage devicethat downloads audio data corresponding to a received music title is forexample an MD recorder/player, a DAT recorder/player, or a compactcassette recorder/player. The storage device may be a compact cassetterecorder/player that has only an analog input. The storage device may bean MD recorder/player or a DAT recorder/player that has a PCM (PulseCode Modulation) audio data input. The download music data is compressedin for example ATRAC 2 format. The storage device may directly inputATRAC 2 data. The storage device may have a mode setting function ofwhich the mode of the storage device can be set with an external controlsignal. The storage device may have a digital interface corresponding tofor example IEEE 1394 format.

Thus, a variety of types of the storage device may be connected to theIRD. Thus, the IRD should be connected to the storage device in anoptimum connecting state. However, when the user sets the optimumconnecting state corresponding to the storage device, he or she shouldpay a special attention for the connection of the storage device to theIRD.

To solve such a problem, when audio data is downloaded, a process shownin FIG. 15 is performed by the IRD 22 shown in FIG. 8. Thus, the optimumterminal is automatically selected. Next, a process for automaticallyselecting the optimum terminal will be described as a third embodimentof the present invention. The process is performed by the IRD 22.

In FIG. 15, a check command is sent to the control signal input/outputterminal 97 (at step S51). It is determined whether or not a device hasbeen connected to the control signal input/output terminal 97 of thestorage device 23 (at step S52).

When the determined result at step S52 is Yes (namely, a device has beenconnected to the control signal input/output terminal 97), correspondingto a control signal, data is exchanged between the IRD 22 and thestorage device 23. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not thestorage device 23 has a data input terminal corresponding to for exampleIEC 958 standard (at step S53).

When the determined result at step S53 is Yes (namely, the storagedevice 23 has a data input terminal corresponding to for example IEC 958standard), the data output terminal 93 is enabled (at step S54).Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the storage device 23 has ananalog audio input terminal (at step S55).

When the determined result at step S53 is No (namely, the storage device23 does not have an IEC 958 input terminal), the flow advances to stepS55. At step S55, it is determined whether or not the storage device 23has an analog audio input terminal.

When the determined result at step S55 is Yes (namely, the storagedevice 23 has an analog audio input terminal), the analog audio signaloutput terminal 95 is enabled (at step S56) Thereafter, it is determinedwhether or not the storage device 23 has an ATRAC 2 input terminal (atstep S57).

When the determined result at step S55 is No (namely, the storage device23 does not have an analog audio input terminal), the flow advances tostep S57. At step S57, it is determined whether or not the storagedevice 23 has an ATRAC 2 input terminal.

When the determined result at step S57 is Yes (namely, the storagedevice 23 has an ATRAC 2 input terminal), the ATRAC 2 data output isenabled (at step S58). In other words, the switch circuit 91 shown inFIG. 8 is placed on the terminal 91B side. Thereafter, the user isprompted for an output selection (at step S59). Data corresponding tothe output selection of the user is output (at step S60).

When the determined result at step S57 is No (namely, the storage device23 does not have an ATRAC 2 input terminal), the user is prompted for anoutput selection (at step S60). Data corresponding to the outputselection of the user is output (at step S60).

When the determined result at step S52 is No (namely, a device has notbeen connected to the control signal input/output terminal 97 of thestorage device 23), it is determined whether or not a predetermined timeperiod has elapsed (at step S61). When the determined result at step S61is Yes (namely, the predetermined time period has elapsed), a checkcommand that determines whether or not an IEEE 1394 device has beenconnected is sent to the digital interface 96 (at step S62). Thereafter,it is determined whether or not information corresponding to the checkcommand has been received from the device (at step S63).

When the determined result at step S63 is Yes (namely, the informationhas been received from the device), it is determined whether or not thedevice can record ATRAC 2 data (at step S64). When the determined resultat step S64 is Yes (namely, the device can record ATRAC 2 data), theswitch circuit 91 is placed on the terminal 91B side. In addition, theATRAC 2 data is output from the digital interface 96 (at step S65). Whenthe determined result at step S64 is No (namely, the device cannotrecord ATRAC 2 data), the switch circuit 91 is placed on the terminal91A side. Thus, PCM data is output from the digital interface 96 (atstep S66).

When the determined result at step S63 is No (namely, the informationhas not been received from the device), it is determined whether or nota timeout has taken place (at step S67). When the determined result atstep S67 is Yes (namely, a timeout has taken place), the manual mode isset (at step S68).

In the above-described example, download data has been compressed inATRAC 2 format. However, according to the present invention, thecompressing format is not limited to ATRAC 2 format. In other words,another compressing format for example ATRAC format may be used.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Ina digital satellite broadcast, a signal is unidirectionally broadcastfrom a broadcasting station to a receiving station. Thus, when a musictitle that is broadcast is recorded to a storage device, unless therecording timing is carefully set, the beginning and end of the musictitle may not be recorded.

In other words, when a music title that is broadcast is recorded by anMD recorder/player or the like, the user places the MD recorder/playerin record pause mode until the broadcast of the music title starts.After the broadcast of the music title starts, the user switchesrecord-pause mode of the MD recorder/player or the like to record mode.After the broadcast of the music title ends, the user stops record modeof the MD recorder/player. However, it is troublesome for the user tostart and stop record mode of the MD recorder/player. In addition,unless the user pays a special attention for the recording timing, thebeginning and end of the music title may be lost.

To solve such a problem, identification signal generating circuits 41A,41B, . . . are disposed as shown in FIG. 16. The identification signalgenerating circuits 41A, 41B, . . . generates a start flag and an endflag. Corresponding to the start position and the end position of eachmusic title, the start flag and the end flag are added. In other words,as shown in FIG. 17, transmitted MPEG audio data is composed of aheader, an error check code, audio data, transmission channel data,multilingual data, and ancillary data. As ancillary data, the start flagand the end flag are inserted.

The start flag and the end flag allow data of an audio channel receivedon the home receiving facility 3 side to be accurately recorded to thestorage 23. The start flag and the end flag are used to reserve a musictitle recorded on the receiving facility 3 side. When the ATRAC 2encoder 53 forms packets, the ID generating circuits 42 generates IDdata corresponding to the start position and the end position of eachmusic title. The ID data is included in the header of each data packet.With the ID data, received data of an audio channel can be securelyrecorded to the storage 23 on the home receiving facility 3 side. Theflags and ID data are also used to allow a music program to be reservedon the home receiving facility 3 side.

In other words, as shown in FIG. 19, a start flag SFLG and an end flagEFLG are added to the beginning and the end of audio data transmitted oneach of audio channels CH1, CH2, . . . , respectively. Thus, when thebeginning of a music title is detected with the start flag, therecording operation of the music title to the storage device 23 starts.When the end of the music title is detected with the end flag EFLG, therecording operation of the music title to the storage device 23 ends. Todetect the start flag SFLG and the end flag EFLG, as shown in FIG. 18,the IRD 22 has a flag detecting circuit 61 that detects the start flagSFLG and the end flag EFLG of audio data transmitted on an audiochannel. With the start flag and the end flag, the listener canaccurately record a desired music title to the storage device 23 withoutneed to consider the record timing.

In other words, when the listener wants to record a music title on anaudio channel to the storage device 23, he or she presses a recordbutton 47 of a GUI as shown in FIG. 21. When the record button 47 ispressed, audio data corresponding to the selected music title isdownloaded and recorded to the storage device 23.

When the listener wants to download ATRAC 2 data, he or she presses adownload button 45 of the GUI shown in FIG. 21. When the listenerpresses the download button 45, ATRAC 2 data corresponding to theselected music title is downloaded and recorded to the storage device23. As shown in FIG. 20, at the beginning and end of download ATRAC 2data, ID data id is added to the header of each packet data. Thus, whenthe beginning of the music title is detected with the ID data id, therecording operation of the music title to the storage device 23 starts.When the end of the music title is detected with the ID data id, therecording operation of the music title to the storage device 23 stops.To detect the ID data id, as shown in FIG. 18, the IRD 22 has an IDdetecting circuit 62.

Thus, according to the fourth embodiment, a music title information page43 is displayed on a GUI screen 40. With the information page 43, thelistener can know information of each music title. When the listenerselects the music title, he or she can listen to a demo of the musictitle. When the listener presses the record button 47, an audio signalcorresponding to the music title on an audio channel is recorded to thestorage device 23. When the listener presses the download button 45, theaudio data corresponding to the music title is downloaded and recordedto the storage device 23.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing a process corresponding to the recordbutton 47 for recording a music program transmitted on an audio channelto the storage device 23. In FIG. 22, steps S71 to S77 are performed onthe IRD 22 side, whereas steps S80 to S83 are performed on the storagedevice 23 side.

When a broadcast signal is received (at step S71), a graphic screen isdisplayed corresponding to GUI-data (at step S72). At this point, thestorage device 23 side has been placed in record standby mode (at stepS80).

When a music title is selected with the music title selection button (atstep S73), an information page of the selected music title is displayed.In addition, an audio channel of the selected-music title is selected.Since the same music title is repeatedly broadcast in a predeterminedperiod on each audio channel, the listener can repeatedly listen to theselected music title (at step S74).

When the record button 47 is pressed (at step S75), the start flag SFLGis detected. When the first start flag SFLG is detected, the IRD 22sends a record start command to the storage device 23 (at step, S76).

When the storage device 23 side receives a record start command from theIRD 22, the storage device 23 is placed in record mode (at step S81).The storage device 23 continues the recording operation until thestorage device 23 receives a record end command from the IRD 22 (at stepS82).

Thereafter, the IRD 22 detects the end flag EFLG. When the IRD 22detects the end flag EFLG, the IRD 22 sends the record end command tothe storage device 23 (at step S77).

When the storage device 23 receives the record end command from the IRD22, the recording operation of the storage device 23 stops (at stepS83).

FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing a process corresponding to the downloadbutton 45 for recording download audio data to the storage device 23. InFIG. 23, steps S91 to S97 are performed on the IRD 22 side, whereassteps S101 to S104 are performed on the storage device 23 side.

When a broadcast signal is received (at step S91), a graphic screencorresponding to GUI data is displayed (at step S92). At this point, thestorage device 23 has been placed in record standby mode (at step S101).

When a music title is selected with the music title selection button (atstep S93), an information page 40 of the selected music title isdisplayed. In addition, an audio channel corresponding to the selectedmusic title is selected. On each audio channel, the same music title isrepeatedly broadcast in a predetermined period. Thus, the listener canrepeatedly listen to the selected music title (at step S94).

When the download button 45 is pressed (at step S95), ID data isdetected. When the ID data is detected, a record start command is sentfrom the IRD 22 to the storage device 23 (at step S96).

When the storage device 23 side receives the record start command fromthe IRD 22, the storage device 23 is placed in record mode (at stepS102). The storage device 23 continues the recording operation until thestorage device 23 receives a record end command from the IRD 22 (at stepS103).

The IRD 22 side detects ID data. When the IRD 22 side detects the IDdata, the IRD 22 sends the record end command to the storage device 23(at step S97). Thereafter, the flow returns to step S91.

When the storage device 23 side receives the record end command from theIRD 22, the recording operation of the storage device 23 stops (at stepS104). Thereafter, the flow returns to step S101.

In the above-described example, the record button 47 and the downloadbutton 45 are operated for each music title so as to record it to thestorage device 23. Alternatively, a plurality of music titles may bereserved and successively recorded or downloaded.

In other words, when a plurality of music titles are reserved with areserve button 48 and a record button 47 as shown in FIG. 24, reservedmusic titles 100, 100, . . . are displayed as shown in FIG. 25. When aplurality of music titles are reserved, audio channels are successivelyselected and the reserved music titles are recorded to the storagedevice in the reserved order.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing a process corresponding to the reservebutton 48 for reserving a plurality of music titles and downloading themto the storage device 23. In FIG. 26, steps S111 to S117 are performedon the IRD 22 side, whereas steps S121 to S124 are performed on thestorage device 23 side.

When a broadcast signal is received (at step S111), a graphic screencorresponding to GUI data is displayed (at step S112). At this point,the storage device 23 has been placed in record standby mode (at stepS121).

When a plurality of music titles are successively selected with thereserve button 48 and then the record button 47 is pressed, a reserverecording operation is performed (at step S113).

An audio channel corresponding to the first reserved music title isselected. The start flag SFLG is detected. When the first start flagSFLG is detected, a record start command is sent from the IRD 22 to thestorage device 23 (at step S114).

When the storage device 23 side receives the record start command fromthe IRD 22, the storage device 23 is placed in record mode (at stepS122). The storage device 23 continues the recording operation until thestorage device 23 receives a record end command from the IRD 22 (at stepS123).

Next, the IRD 22 side detects the end flag EFLG. When the IRD 22 detectsthe end flag EFLG, the IRD 22 sends a record end command to the storagedevice 23 (at step S115).

When the storage device 23 side receives the record end command from theIRD 22, the recording operation of the storage device 23 stops (at stepS124). Thereafter, the flow returns to step S121.

The IRD 22 determines whether or not the storage device has recorded thelast reserved music title (at step S116). When the determined result atstep S116 is No, the IRD 22 selects the next reserved music title (atstep S117). Thereafter, the flow returns to step S114. At step S111, theIRD 22 performs the similar process. Thus, the storage device 23 recordsthe next music title. After the storage device 23 has recorded the lastmusic title, the flow returns to step S111.

When a plurality of music titles are selected with the reserve button 48and then the download button 45 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 27,reserved music title numbers 200, 200, . . . are displayed. When aplurality of music titles are reserved, download audio datacorresponding to the reserved music titles is successively recorded tothe storage device 23 in the reserved order.

FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing a process corresponding to the reservebutton 48 and the download button 48 for reserving a plurality of musictitles and recording download audio data corresponding to the reservedmusic titles to the storage device. In FIG. 28, steps S131 to S137 areperformed on the IRD 22 side, whereas steps S141 to S144 are performedon the storage device 23 side.

When a broadcast signal is received (at step S131), a graphic screencorresponding to GUI data is displayed (at step S132). At this point,the storage device 23 side has been placed in record standby mode (atstep S141).

When a plurality of music titles are successively selected with thereserve button 48 and then the download button 45 is pressed, a downloadreserving operation is performed (at step S133).

Thereafter, ID data is detected. When the ID data is detected, the IRD22 sends a record start command to the storage device 23 (at step S134).

When the storage device 23 receives the record start command from theIRD 22, the storage device 23 is placed in record mode (at step S142).The storage device 23 continues the recording operation until thestorage device 23 receives a record end command from the IRD 22 (at stepS143).

Next, the IRD 22 side detects ID data. When the IRD 22 detects the IDdata, the IRD 22 sends a record end command to the storage device 23 (atstep S135).

When the storage device 23 receives the record end command from the IRD22, the recording operation of the storage device 23 stops (at stepS144). Thereafter, the flow returns to step S141.

Next, it is determined whether or not the storage device 23 has recordedthe last reserved music title (at step S136). When the determined resultat step S136 is No (namely, the storage device 23 has not recorded thelast music title), audio data corresponding to the next music title isselected (at step S137). Thereafter, the flow returns to step S134. Atstep S134, the IRD 22 side performs the similar process and causes thestorage device 23 to record the next music title. When the determinedresult at step S136 is Yes (namely, the storage device 23 has recordedthe last music title), the flow returns to step S131.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, download audio datais stored to the information storage device. Thus, audio data accordingto desired music titles can be downloaded. Consequently, information ofbroadcast music titles can be easily obtained. In addition, audio datacorresponding to desired music titles can be easily stored to theinformation storage device.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the optimumconnecting state corresponding to the type of the storage device can beautomatically set.

In addition, according to a further embodiment of the present invention,when an audio signal transmitted on an audio channel is stored to thestorage device, with a start flag and an end flag, each music title canbe accurately recorded to the storage device without a loss of thebeginning and the end of the music title. In a stream of download audiodata, ID data is inserted corresponding to the beginning and end of eachmusic title. When an audio signal transmitted on an audio channel isrecorded to the storage device, with the ID data, each music title canbe accurately recorded without a loss of the beginning and the end ofthe music title. With the start flag and the end flag, a plurality ofmusic titles can be reserved and the reserved music titles can beautomatically recorded to the storage device in the reserved order. Inaddition, with ID data, a plurality of music titles can be reserved andmusic data corresponding thereto can be automatically downloaded to thestorage device in the reserved order.

INDUSTRIAL UTILIZATION

As described above, the transmitting apparatus, the transmitting method,the information editing apparatus, the editing method, the receivingapparatus, the receiving method, the information storing apparatus, theinformation storing method, and the broadcasting system are suitable fortransmitting music data with a digital satellite broadcast.

1. A method of using an information processing apparatus fortransmitting a multiplexed signal, the method comprising: multiplexing,by the information processing apparatus, audio digital data packets of aplurality of audio broadcasts and digital data for an information screencorresponding to a transmitted audio broadcast, to provide a multiplexedsignal, the digital data including interactive GUI data used to generatean interactive on-screen display to allow interaction between the userand the display; inserting, by the information processing apparatus, foreach respective music title of each of the plurality of audio broadcastsof the multiplexed signal, a start flag before each music title and anend flag after each music title, each start flag indicating a startposition of a respective music title and each end flag indicating an endposition of a respective music title; and transmitting the multiplexedsignal, wherein the start and the end flags indicate start and endpositions of music titles for accurate recording of music titles by aninformation processing apparatus for receiving the multiplexed signal.2. The transmitting method of claim 1, wherein the start and end flagsare inserted as packet header data or as MPEG ancillary data.
 3. Thetransmitting method of claim 1, wherein the inserting step furthercomprises inserting at least one of the start and end flags within aheader of each of the audio digital data packets.
 4. A method of usingan information processing apparatus for transmitting a multiplexedsignal, the method comprising: multiplexing, by the informationprocessing apparatus, audio digital data packets of a plurality of audiochannel broadcasts and digital data for an information screencorresponding to a transmitted audio broadcast, to provide a multiplexedsignal, the audio digital data of each of the audio channel broadcastscomprising a plurality of identical music titles repeatedly transmittedwithin a program period; inserting, by the information processingapparatus, for each respective music title of each of the plurality ofaudio channel broadcasts of the multiplexed signal, a start flag beforeeach music title and an end flag after each music title, each start flagindicating a start position of a respective music title and each endflag indicating an end position of a respective music title; andtransmitting the multiplexed signal, wherein the start and the end flagsindicate start and end positions of music titles for accurate recordingof music titles by an information processing apparatus for receiving themultiplexed signal.
 5. The transmitting method of claim 4, wherein thestart and end flags are inserted as packet header data or as MPEGancillary data.
 6. The transmitting method of claim 4, wherein theinserting step further comprises inserting at least one of the start andend flags within a header of each of the audio digital data packets. 7.A method of using an information processing apparatus for transmitting amultiplexed signal, the method comprising: multiplexing by theinformation processing apparatus audio digital data packets of aplurality of audio channel broadcasts, digital data for an informationscreen corresponding to a transmitted audio broadcast and download audiodata compressed in a predetermined compression format, to provide amultiplexed signal, the audio digital data of each of the audio channelbroadcasts comprising a plurality of identical music titles repeatedlytransmitted within a program period, the download audio data comprisingcompressed music titles corresponding to the music titles of each of theaudio channel broadcasts; inserting, by the information processingapparatus, for each respective music title of each of the plurality ofaudio channel broadcasts of the multiplexed signal, a start flag beforeeach music title and an end flag after each music title, each start flagindicating a start position of a respective music title and each endflag indicating an end position of a respective music title; andtransmitting the multiplexed signal, wherein the start and the end flagsindicate start and end positions of music titles for accurate recordingof music titles by an information processing apparatus for receiving themultiplexed signal.
 8. The transmitting method of claim 7, wherein themusic titles within the download audio data are contained within datapackets and the method further comprises inserting a header for each ofthe data packets.
 9. The transmitting method of claim 7, wherein thestart and end flags are inserted as packet header data or as MPEGancillary data.
 10. A transmitting apparatus for multiplexing audiodigital data packets of a plurality of audio channel broadcasts anddigital data for an information screen corresponding to a transmittedaudio broadcast, the audio digital data of each of the audio channelbroadcasts comprising a plurality of identical music titles repeatedlytransmitted within a program period, the transmitting apparatuscomprising: an identification signal generating circuit for inserting,for each respective music title of each of the plurality of audiochannel broadcasts, a start flag before each music title and an end flagafter each music title, each start flag indicating a start position of arespective music title and each end flag indicating an end position of arespective music title, wherein the start and the end flags indicatestart and end positions of music titles for accurate recording of musictitles by a receiving apparatus for receiving the multiplexed signal.11. The transmitting apparatus of claim 10, wherein the start and endflags are inserted as packet header data or as MPEG ancillary data. 12.The transmitting apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least one of thestart and end flags are inserted within a header of each of the audiodigital data packets.
 13. A transmitting apparatus for multiplexingaudio digital data packets of a plurality of audio channel broadcasts,digital data for an information screen corresponding to a transmittedaudio broadcast and download audio data compressed in a predeterminedcompression format, the audio digital data of each of the audio channelbroadcasts comprising a plurality of identical music titles repeatedlytransmitted within a program period, the download audio data comprisingcompressed music titles corresponding to the music titles of each of theaudio channel broadcasts, the transmitting apparatus comprising: an IDadding circuit for inserting, for each respective music title of each ofthe plurality of audio channel broadcasts, a start flag before eachmusic title and an end flag after each music title, each start flagindicating a start position of a respective music title and each endflag indicating an end position of a respective music title, wherein thestart and the end flags indicate start and end positions of music titlesfor accurate recording of music titles by a receiving apparatus forreceiving the multiplexed signal.
 14. The transmitting apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the music titles within the download audio data arecontained within data packets and the adding circuit further inserts aheader for each of the data packets.
 15. The transmitting apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the start and end flags are inserted as packet headerdata or as MPEG ancillary data.